Source: http://www.ndrtv.de/grandprix/
January 17, 2006
 
Translation: beilie

Thomas Anders: It’s important to be true.

Since the names of candidates for the German selection round, which will take place on March, 9 in Hamburg, were confirmed, the rumors and assumptions concerning the songs, which would be performed by participants in the German Actor’s House, are boiling up like a copper. Thomas Anders was the first who lifted a veil of mystery from his new song for Athens in his interview for www.eurovision.de

I have looked through the history of Grand Prix. There’re a lot of eternal songs, known by everyone. These songs have survived the decades, in other words, “Songs that live forever”.

The details concerning the song have already leaked out to the sites of your fans. They consider it to be a ballad in Johnny Logan’ style. Is it so?

The lyrics say that while listening to the radio I immediately connect certain songs with my personal recollections, and I get a feeling that these songs have always existed. Indeed, from the music perspective it’s a classic Eurovision ballad.

To whom of the Grand prix classics do you flash back to in your memories?

I was born in 1963, and, of course, I didn’t meet with the starting point of Grand Prix. But I connect with my personal recollections things like “Merci Cherie” of Udo Jurgens, and then, as a devoted fan of ABBA, their “Waterloo”. Moreover, Vicky Leandros with her “Apres toi”. There’re Brotherhood of Man with “Save your kisses for me” and lately “Fly on the wings of love” (Olsen Brothers). And an unforgettable Nicole with “Ein bisschen Frieden”.

And what kind of classic of Eurovision did you choose for your second performance during the selection round?

I would perform “Save your kisses for me” of “Brotherhood of Man” with my pleasure, but this band will perform live at the program. So, I have to choose, which song would I like. Of course, it’s a matter of my own interpretation.

What came first – the decision to take part in the selection round, or the song itself?

The rough draft of this song was created before the decision to take part in the contest. The main idea has appeared during the work with my new album, in which this song will play a leading role. However, I had to re-record it for the selection tour in order to make it independent and corresponding with its goal.

Did you create music and lyrics by yourself?

It was my idea, and my co-author in composing music was Achim Brochhausen, a musical director of my band. The lyrics were created by Ina Wolf, who was guided by my ideas.

Once you have announced the marks of German spectators for other countries. Was it your first close touch with Eurovision contest, or you probably could deal with it earlier?

This connection has appeared long before. As far as I remember, I was always in touch with music, and my first performance was in 7. So, I have always watched Grand Prix – at least since my parents let me watch evening TV-programs. As a teenager I even arranged Grand Prix parties. I was very proud to receive an invitation for presenting German TV-show of Eurovision contest two years ago, and now I’m very inspired by the chance to participate in it as a singer. I couldn’t even dream about it few months ago!

Who could contend for your victory – Vicky Leandros or Texas Lightning?

I don’t know. I didn’t hear neither Texas Lightning’s song, nor Vicky Leandros’. Of course, all competitions have their winners and so-called “losers”; people say the most important is not a victory itself, but participation. However, I’ll participate in order to win – with no doubts.

“The most important is participation” applies to the final round in Athens as well. Do you think that a lots of MT fans’ votes would be enough for victory?

It would be great! I hope for it. I’m depending on my German fans during the selection tour. If it would come to my participation in the final round in Athens, I will lean on those in Europe who came to see MT concerts and who comes to my solo-concerts nowadays. On the one hand, I hope to go to Athens; on the other hand, my heart begins to pound at the idea of participation in such a great competition.

Do you think that now it’s the time for ballads after a few years of ethno songs’ winning? Will “Songs that live forever” appear at the proper time?

I didn’t work out any prior tactic. I believe that it’s important just to be true during both selection round and international finale. I would like to move people’s hearts and make them feel the importance of this song for me. I would like it very much.

Thomas Anders, thank you very much for conversation!

17.01.2006

Source: www.ndrtv.de/grandprix/